What is the Construction Products Regulation?

The Construction Products Regulation assess the performance of construction products throughout the EU. With CPR, Industry professionals, public authorities and consumers can compare the performance of products from different manufacturers in different countries.
CPR deals with the way a product is placed on the market – the methods of assessment and testing, how the performance of a product should be declared and the conformance system of assessment for construction products.

Why is CPR important?

From 1st July 2017, all electric cables used for the supply of electricity and for control and communication purposes, which are intended for use in construction works and subject to performance requirements on reaction to fire, must meet European Standard EN 50575 which specifies reaction to fire performance requirements, as well as the test and assessment methods to be used.

When will CPR take effect?

The 12-month transition period will end on 1st July 2017. After that date, only products which have a European Classification under the new standard (EN 50575:2014) will be acceptable for sale in the EU.Cables which do not have a European Classification cannot be legally sold in the European market.

What are the changes with CPR?

Before

From 1st July 2017

Previously Construction Products Directive

Now Construction Products Regulation

No legal obligation

Legal obligation for cable manufacturers, distributors and importers when product placed on the market for sale

Manufacturer needs to implement a relevant system of AVCP (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance) certification

All Tratos cable subject to the CPR have been tested and meet the requirements of Class C or above (Most polymeric electrical cables will fall between classes B2 to E).

How will it affect you?

Manufacturers need to draw up a Declaration of Performance (DoP), in a standard format which must include:

A unique ID for the specific product

Intended uses

Manufacturers information

The AVCP (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance) system applied

A dated reference of the harmonised standard

The Notified Body used

The Declared Performance (or NPD if no performance is declared)

Importers and distributors must ensure product labelling or packaging carries the correct marking and accompanying information. When they supply product under their own brand or name they become subject to the same legal obligations as the manufacturer.

End users will be able to easily compare products from different manufacturers and different standards regardless of their country of origin. They should look for the CE mark and the DoP to check the Classification achieved.

How do I need to respond to ensure I am CPR ready?

You should check that the cables are correctly marked on the identification label and that they include CE marking in accordance with the CPR on cable packaging.

Have you contacted your cable manufacturer/distributor/importer to check they are CPR ready?

Have you asked your manufacturer/distributor/importer for a DoP for all of the electrical cables that are in your construction project?

Have you checked your existing cable stocks to ensure that all product is CPR ready?

Workshops

Tratos is hosting workshops for those that wish to be educated on this regulation. The workshop will be run by our experts to provide you with the best possible industry guidelines and information about Construction Products Regulation. Tratos are hosting workshops in both London and Knowsley, for those unable to attend the workshops we can also arrange to visit our customers directly.
For more information please contact us on: